Writing Invoice Template

Free Translator Invoice Template

Invoice clients for document translation, localisation, and certified translation services. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is a Translator invoice?

A translator invoice documents fees for converting written content from one language to another for clients including businesses, legal firms, medical organisations, publishers, and government bodies. Translators are typically priced per word (source or target language), per page, or at an hourly rate for short or complex tasks. Certified or sworn translations (required for official documents such as passports, contracts, and academic certificates) command a premium over standard translations. Translators working in specialist sectors — legal, medical, technical — command higher rates than generalist translators due to the subject matter expertise required. Professional translators should be members of a recognised body such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).

What to include on a Translator invoice

Common translator invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Standard Translation (per source word) £0.10 - £0.20 per word
Legal / Technical Translation (per source word) £0.15 - £0.30 per word
Certified Translation (per page) £50 - £120 per page
Proofreading / Editing Translated Text £0.03 - £0.07 per word
Website Localisation (per page) £50 - £200 per page
Rush Delivery Surcharge (same/next day) 30-50% surcharge

How to invoice as a translator

For standard translation projects, invoice on delivery of the translated document with Net 14 to Net 30 terms. For certified translations, collect payment upfront before issuing the certified copy. For large or ongoing localisation projects, invoice at project milestones or monthly. Translation agencies typically pay lower rates and slower than direct clients — factor this into your pricing for agency work.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I charge per source word or per target word?
Most translators charge per source word as it is known upfront, making quoting straightforward. Target word counts can vary significantly depending on the language pair — German and Spanish text, for example, tends to be longer than equivalent English text. Either approach is standard; be consistent and clear about which you use.
What is a certified translation and how do I invoice for it?
A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a statement of accuracy signed by the translator, attesting that the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original. It is required for official purposes (visa applications, legal documents, academic credentials). Charge a certification fee on top of your standard per-word or per-page rate.
How do I handle legal translation projects?
Legal translation requires specialist knowledge and carries significant responsibility — errors in legal documents can have serious consequences. Charge a premium rate for legal work (typically 30-50% above standard translation rates) and ensure you have professional indemnity insurance. Include a disclaimer on certified translations noting that you are a qualified translator but not a solicitor.
Can I use CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools and still charge full rate?
Yes, with nuance. CAT tools improve consistency and speed, and the value of your work is in the accuracy and fluency of the output, not the tool used. However, when using translation memory, segments matched by TM are often charged at a reduced rate (50-80% of the full per-word rate). Be transparent with clients if TM discounts apply.
What are the standard payment terms in the translation industry?
Net 30 is common for agency work; Net 14 is more appropriate for direct client work. For certified translations or one-off individual clients, collecting full payment upfront or on delivery is reasonable. Keep clear records of all work for tax purposes, as translation income can come from many small projects.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Translator invoice template straight away after signing up.